Barcelona with children

Barcelona Zoo

Metro: Ciutadella Vila Olympic ( Yellow Line, L4 ) to 10 min

The Barcelona Zoo is a magnificent garden that is over a hundred years old. It spreads over some thirteen hectares on the grounds of Parc de la Ciutadella and contains a collection of animals made up of more than four hundred different species from around the world, with some seven thousand, five hundred specimens. The zoo applies internationally accepted strategies of conservation, and carries out research and educational activities that help its visitors better understand the animals it keeps, especially those in danger of extinction, helping them reproduce in captivity.

Some of the specimens to be seen in the Zoo include a wide range of primates, amongst whom, unfortunately, we can no longer see Floquet de Neu (Snowflake), who used to be the star of the Zoo. Among the primates we find orang-utans from Borneo, a group of titi monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys, whose reproduction in captivity is controlled. You can also see bottle-nose dolphins performing, who also reproduce continuously. Another much-loved animal to be seen, and also in danger of extinction, is the Iberian wolf -the Zoo is responsible for coordinating its reproduction in captivity for all of Europe. Among the felines, you can see Sumatra tigers, leopards from Sri Lanka, snow panthers and cheetahs, all of them very special animals.

The Zoo also has a group of grey herons, which live in total freedom and have become the most important breeding colony in all Catalonia, the Doñana bird centre, where the most important autochthonous species of fauna are able to breed in order to help restock Catalonia's parks, and an aviary with a representative collection of parrots from around the world and Nicobar and crowned pigeons, all endangered species under the guardianship of the zoo. The zoo also has a terrarium for amphibians and reptiles from all over the world, with over a hundred species and five hundred specimens, considered one of the best in Europe. The animals live in especially prepared areas with abundant vegetation, where you can find giant snakes, such as pythons, boas and anacondas, and different species of crocodiles, like Mississippi alligators, broad-snouted caimans, African dwarf crocodiles and Nile crocodiles.

There is also a children's zoo with many domestic and farm animals, such as Iberian pigs, Prat chickens and Catalan donkeys, a breed autochthonous to Catalonia that is in danger of extinction.

Aquarium de Barcelona

The Aquarium's modern facilities stand in the city's Old Port (Port Vell), located in the Maremagnum complex, to be precise, where you can see a multitude of marine species and even sharks. The facilities include 21 aquariums displaying the wonders of the various marine communities to be found in the Mediterranean and the colourful tropical seas, together with other aquariums and permanent exhibitions such as "Planet Aqua" and "Explore!"

In fact, the Aquarium contains a total of 35 different aquariums, 11,000 specimens of 450 distinct species, an 80 metre-long underwater tunnel, six million litres of water and an immense oceanarium that is unique in Europe. There is also a complete reference centre, inaugurated in 1995, which has been visited by over fourteen million people and employs the latest-generation technology to faithfully reproduce the various environments on display.

The Aquarium's programme is characterised by its combination of information, entertainment and educational activities. A team of 100 professionals will make your visit an agreeable, interesting and enjoyable experience, all to further the centre's motto: "Learning to love and loving to protect".

The centre, liked by both young and old, is the world's most important educational and recreational marine centre specialising in the Mediterranean.

Imax Cinema

Metro: Drassanes ( Green Line, L3 ) (15 min)

Address: Port Vell Barcelona Moll d'Espanya

Tel: 34 93225111

Magic Fountain Montjuïc

Metro: Spain ( Green Line, L3 ) and ( Red Line, L1 ) 10 min

Water and musical extravaganza every night.

Parks Attractions of Barcelona

1) The Tibidabo amusement park is one of the three oldest parks Europe, situated on the top of Tibidabo Mountain stands as the vantage point of Barcelona. Tibidabo Park is just 25 minutes from Plaza Catalunya using a special bus service called Tibibus. The bus leaves from Plaza Catalunya (stops in front of the building "Caja Madrid"). Opening hours depend on the time of year and I recommend you check their official website for more information.